gracegirl

Ugh. I don't know if my fiancé would be thrilled about that. He's not fond of the times I've given the dogs sardines.

Fenway was diagnosed with "minor kidney damage of an unspecified origin" a few years ago, probably when he was around 5 or 6. He is now nine and has his picky days that he doesn't want to eat his food. He eats Iams Healthy Naturals lamb. I have to make sure he's fed a food with 20% protein or less. He is otherwise in good health, I'd just like him to gain weight. What home cooked recipe can I feed a kidney compromised dog that will help him gain weight?

Indeed! It serves two purposes. First, prevents injury from a fight. Second, could possibly break the licker's habit. Can't hurt, might help.

Muzzles. For everyone. And one with a poop guard for the licker. It's a short term solution but could also snap him out of the licking behavior. Or not. Only one way to find out!

Out of two of my own, one foster and four regular house guests....only one had a mild case and she grew out of it in time.

Neither of mine ever jumped. Even over a two foot fence. You'll want to make sure a dog can't get out by going under the fence, depending on the type of fencing you have. Fenway and Grace never enjoyed coming to the barn with me. Grace merely tolerated it, Fenway didn't like it at all. He was afraid of the horses and would cry and wine to get out if I left him in an empty stall.

Personally I would work on two things separately. First, the potty command seems like a great idea. Ours is "hurry up". You can work on that starting immediately, just head outside with the dogs when they go outside. Second, I'd work to make the shower being a place where really great things happen. Get the tastiest food (cheeseburgers, bacon, cheese, lunch meat) and reward her for going into the shower several times a day. I would make sure she's totally comfortable in the shower before you start combining the two. You don't want to overwhelm or confuse her. Once she's comfortable in the shower, you can then start taking her there when you know she has to go. Use the potty command, put her own pee in the shower so it smells like the bathroom to her, etc. But not until she's totally comfortable there.

I remember you well. I'm so sorry Lulu had to go. What great memories you have of her! I'm so glad your daughter got to meet her.

I wonder if they would still be unsettled if you could relocate to the guest room instead of DH (and dogs). If they are used to sleeping in the master bedroom, it might be more successful to let them have their ro with DH, rather than making a big change for them of moving to a new room.

We cut the sleeves off old t-shirts to use as neck covers. Legs of sweat pants also work well if you need something thicker.

I'll be following this for our Airedale who just had two cancerous tumors removed....one from his neck, the other from his shoulder. Two large scars are left behind. I might try vitamin e as soon as the stitches come out.

If these dogs are off leash in an area they shouldn't be, I'd call out to the owners "Please leash your dog! Mine is unpredictable and yours looks an awful lot like the rabbits used in training on the track!" I find that this usually gets Fluffy's owner's attention and they'll quickly leash their dog. If that doesn't get action out of them, you can more sternly say "please leash your dog now before mine gets it". I absolutely cannot stand irresponsible owners. It's one thing to have their dog off leash. It's a whole different thing for them not to comply when asked. Best case scenario is they rumor gets out about the new greyhound and people start leading their dogs.

UGH. What a PITA. I can't believe he's only agreeing to cover half. When Grace was attacked they owners of the dog that attacked her paid for the initial surgery. The wound got infected, and they refused to pay for her follow up care saying that it must have been my fault that it became infected. I was so pissed off. The woman was an attorney who threatened to sue ME. Unbelievable. I ended up writing a letter to the bar association letting them know how lovely it was of her to use her position as an attorney to threaten me. I hear they don't take too kindly to that. Get well soon, both of you!

Bringing this thread back up as I might need to start cooking for Fenway. Can you share your exact recipe that you cook for a week and the amount you give her per day?

A head collar is your best bet in this situation. It's similar to a halter on a horse....and if it can control a 1,200 animal, it can control a greyhound. You just want to follow Jen's advice to get them used to wearing it, and make sure it's always clipped to both the head collar and the regular collar.

I'm sorry Disco had to go. I hope he's digging the biggest. Hole. Ever. Right now. I know he is.

He looks just right to me. I have a perpetually skinny guy who I can't get to gain weight. I'd rather have him a few pounds heavier in case he ever faces a medical emergency. They loose weight so quickly when sick.

The best dog trainers are other dogs. Grace raised Fenway for me. I take no credit for the dog he is today. Her presence is greatly missed.

13 years is something to celebrate in it of itself. I hope that he's up for spontaneous car rides to get a burger, ice cream or a pup-a-cino at Starbucks just to celebrate him. Enjoy the time you have left and take lots of photos. What I wouldn't give to have been able to take Grace on car rides like that....we didn't know her end was near. We lost her in a matter of hours at the e-vet and while neither situation is "ideal"....I wish I could have gotten her one last indulgent treat.

Not overkill at all. Almost always, bite wounds are worse than they look. That said, last time I took Fenway in for a nip I thought for sure he'd be getting stitches, instead they sent me home with ABs. It was worth the trip to the evet for just the meds, you don't want a bite wound to get infected.

Fenway does not like canned dog food (strange, I know) but sardines packed in water always get him eating. I mush a few pieces into this food, add some water, and pour some of the juice on top. This, along with eggs, are the go-to solutions that work for me, every time. I hope you can keep the quality of life up to enjoy a bit more time with your pup. Those terriers are tough little dogs! (Or big dogs, in our case!)

Fenway has low USG and after years of being housebroken, started having accidents. After many tests (blood and urine) plus a round of ABs that didn't help the problem, I had an ultrasound done. This left him with a diagnosis of "minor kidney damage of an unspecified origin." We check urine and blood every 6 months to make sure numbers stay consistent. They've been stable ever since he was diagnosed three years ago.

I also can't believe it's been 4 years. She'll never leave your heart, the best ones never do.

She has the same soul-piercing eyes as my perfect Grace. They can see right into your heart, can't they? I am so sorry that she had to go, but I am so glad you had 10 amazing years together. No matter how long it is, it's never enough. Rest well, sweet lady. You have some amazing friends up there to show you around. Your momma can't wait to see you again some day.

Rest well, Danger. I hope you can be less fearful of everything where you are now.